Ji-Eun Park, First Victory Chance

The ‘Queen of Birdie’ Ji-Eun Park (Nike Golf) is on verge of victory.

On May 4th, U.S. LPGA Tour-Michelob Open (total prize of $1.6 million) was held in the King`s Mill Golf Course (Par 71, 6285yards) in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. In the third round, Park leads alone with total of 9 under par and 204 strokes, ahead of Christy Curr (U.S) by single stroke.

Park obtained most number of birdies (358 totals) in the U.S. LPGA tours last year, this reflects her aggressive play style. She never aims for mere ‘par saves’ in any holes. Regardless of hazard and pin locations, she only aims for hole cup and her putting reflects this attitude.

Park`s style of course management was carried out in this match also. In her first round, Park scored a double boogie and two boogies but with one eagle and six birdies, she obtained joint 3rd rank. In the second round, with five birdies and two boogies, she joined the joint 1st rank.

In the third round, in 5th hole (par 3) she lost her tea shot into the water and scored a double boogie. But she finished up with four more birdies and leads the round in single 1st rank.

After the match, Park said, “Today`s putting was tough and I`ve lost five birdies. I will do my best for victory.” If Park manages to win, her parents plans to held a 50% discount on their restaurant “Sam-won Garden” in Gangnam, Seoul on May 5th, Children`s Day.

The King`s Mill GC is the match field for men`s U.S. PGA Tour-Michelob Championship matches for past 22 years. The course has 71 pars and green undulation is renowned for difficulties. Due to this, if player fails in his or her regular-on, par save would be difficult.

True to facts, Se-ri Pak (CJ) and Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) have both obtained five birdies in here in a same group. However they struck four boogies and ended up with joint 6th rank (5under par, 208 stokes).

Meanwhile, Hee-won Han (FILA Korea) and Mi-Hyun Kim (KTF) have obtained joint 3rd rank (6under par, 207 strokes) and joint 9th rank (4under par, 209 strokes) respectively. Numbers totaled to four Korean players in the ‘Top Ten’ list.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com